Queen Camilla has given royal fans an update on the Princess of Wales following the announcement on Friday that she is undergoing a round of “preventative chemotherapy” following a cancer diagnosis, saying she is “thrilled” by the support she has received.
During a visit to Shrewsbury in the county of Shropshire, western England, on Wednesday, Camilla was given messages for Kate by well-wishers. “I know that Catherine is thrilled by all the kind wishes and support,” she said, per U.K. newspaper The Sun.
Two young people in the crowd who had gathered to see the queen during her visit to the Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market held signs reading: “Send our love to Kate.”
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The princess has received an outpouring of well-wishes since Kensington Palace in London released a personally recorded video message on Friday. In it, Kate provided her own update on her health issues. They had become the topic of international discussion and debate following her absence from the public eye after undergoing abdominal surgery in January.
Kate said that it had been a “tough couple of months” for her and her family since her surgery. She added that “tests after the operation found cancer had been present,” and that she was in the early stages of a course of chemotherapy.
“I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits,” Kate said. She added that, though she was looking forward to being able to return to her royal work, for the time being she needed to focus on getting better with the space and privacy to do so.
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A number of high-profile public figures sent messages of support to the princess after the announcement was made, including members of the royal family, heads of state from around the world, and A-list celebrities.
Kate’s brother- and sister-in-law, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, were among those who sent messages, with a statement reading: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”
U.S. President Joe Biden also sent his best wishes, posting to X, formerly Twitter: “Jill and I join millions around the world in praying for your full recovery, Princess Kate.”
A day after Kate’s cancer news was made public, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said that she had been “touched” by the outpouring of support.
“The Prince and Princess are both enormously touched by the kind messages from people here in the U.K., across the Commonwealth and around the world in response to Her Royal Highness’ message,” the spokesperson said.
“They are extremely moved by the public’s warmth and support and are grateful for the understanding of their request for privacy at this time.”
For the time being, the princess is not expected to make any further public appearances until announced by Kensington Palace.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.
Do you have a question about King Charles III, William and Kate, Meghan and Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.